The moment that proves Raikkonen is no Vettel lackey

Even Lewis Hamilton thinks Kimi Raikkonen has become just a subservient number two to Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari. But recently there was proof that the situation is more complex than that, and that Raikkonen has freedom to stake his own title claims

There is now a common perception in Formula 1 that Kimi Raikkonen, a past world champion, winner of 20 grands prix, and a driver generally considered one of the best of his generation, has become just a supporting act to Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel.

Popular opinion in the F1 paddock considers Vettel to be Ferrari's pre-ordained championship contender, that Raikkonen is little more than a lackey - enduringly present in Maranello merely to perform the driving equivalent of carrying Vettel's case, shining his shoes and doing anything in his power to ensure Ferrari's contemporary answer to Michael Schumacher fulfils his destiny.